Review: To The Blight

 

Title:To the Blight (Part 2 of The Eye of the World) (Wheel of Time Series)

Author: Robert Jordan

Publisher: Starscape

Release Date:  January 7th 2002 (Originally published 1993)

Pursued by Trollocs and Myrddraal, Rand and his friends find refuge in the deserted city of Shadar Logoth. But their wandering—and the many dangers they face—are far from over. For from the lips of a dying Aiel girl they learn that the Dark One means to blind the Eye of the World. Having barely escaped capture and death, Rand finds himself face to face with Aginor: a wielder of the One Power and an ally of the Dark One.

In the battle that follows, Rand will discover his true identity...and destiny.

 
The sequel of From the Two Rivers and part 2 of The Eye of the World, The Blight made for a spectacular beginning for the series. When I started this book, I didn't realize how attached I had become to the characters until one died and other came into greater danger.

The whole beginning of this series is about three young boys from a tiny farming land, The Two Rivers, that is extremely secluded from the rest of the world. These three boys are supposed to change the world - either one of them or all of them - for the better or worse. In this book, Ran al'Thor is finally born into the world of the Aes Sedai and the conflict of Light versus Shadow. At the end of this book, I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat and making so many faces that my friends thought I was actually entertaining. The ending was nothing like I expected and all that I wanted. I'm still reeling from this book and I love it SO much. I can't say too much without giving away wonderful details of the story but I can say that everyone should read it.

The story line of the book is so very interesting, even if it was a bit slow in the first book. The pace definitely quickens in this book and story takes you on a thrill ride. I also really loved all the different settings used in the story as it followed the paths of each boy (and girl). The towns, the people, the countryside -- all very imaginative.

Also, don't be swayed from it because it's an older series; that doesn't make it worse. In fact, if you're a fan of the Lord of the Rings, you'll LOVE this series. I am a LOTR fan and this book really satisfies my love for literature like it.

All in all, I'm just dying to get my hands on the next book!

I gave it FIVE of FIVE Sporks!

 

Teaser Tuesday

 

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It's Tuesday again! Here's my teaser: (I usually don't do just two sentences. Whatever it takes to finish the blurb.)

""Well," Loial said, "perhaps you humans do have short lives, but you do so much with them, always jumping around, always so hasty. And you have the whole world to do it in. We Ogier are bound to our stedding. " "You're Outside." "For a time, Rand. But I must go back, eventually. This world is yours, yours and your kind's. The stedding are mine. There's too much hurly-burly Outside. And so much is changed from what I read about."" 
- page 204 of " To the Blight: The Eye of the World Part 2 " by Robert Jordan

Review: From the Two Rivers

 

Title:From the Two Rivers (#1 The Wheel of Time series)

Author: Robert Jordan

Publisher: Starscape

Release Date:  January 7th 2002 (First published in 1990)

For Rand al’Thor and his pals, life in the sleepy village of Emond’s Field has been pretty dull. Until the appearance on festival night of Moiraine, a mysterious woman who claims to be an Aes Sdeai—a magician who can wield the One Power. Soon after, the village is attacked by Trollocs—a savage tribe of half-men half-beasts. Rand’s father is nearly killed. But for Rand, the news gets worse. It was not the village the Trollocs were after, Moiraine tells him. It was you, Rand.

Rand and his friends are forced to flee. But his escape will bring him face to face with the Dark One...the most powerful force of evil in the universe.

The Wheel of Time series is an old series for young adult, but it has had nothing but high acclaims. I have been strongly urged to read this series by one of my best friends and I'm glad she did.

One thing that always daunts me with books like these are the old tiny fonts. They hurt my eyes, especially when there's a lot. And there is A LOT. However, I didn't let that sway me. It took me a long time to finish this book because it just didn't hook me right away. The beginning wasn't up to the speed I like but it wasn't that slow either. It was at that iffy area. But, by the end of the book, I was attached to the characters and immediately wanted to know more.

Something I loved about this book is the style. It is so very similar to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series. Being a big LotR fan, I couldn't help but love this book. The landscape, the descriptions, the characters, the writing style...all very Tolkien-esque.

The only downside of this book is the pace. I don't care for the pace. It's a little too long for my liking, but that's how it is with lots of description. All in all, I loved the book. Not a light read in the slightest but I'd recommend the series. (Albeit daunting with it's 15 books...)

Teaser Tuesday

 

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It's Tuesday again! Here's my teaser: (I usually don't do just two sentences. Whatever it takes to finish the blurb.)

""Because of those three", Lan said angrily. "The fire, the injured, the going on -- all because of those three. The fact that the price must be paid is proof that it is worth paying. The Dark One wants those boys of yours, and anything he wants this badly, he must be kept from. Or would you rather led the Fade have them?"" - page 257 of "From the Two Rivers: The Eye of the World Part One" by Robert Jordan

Review: Reckless

 

Title: Reckless (Reckless #1)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Publisher:  Little Brown Books

Release Date:  September 5th 2011

Ever since Jacob Reckless was a child, he has been escaping to a hidden world through a portal in his father's abandoned study. Over the years, he has made a name for himself as a finder of enchanted items and buried secrets. He's also made many enemies and allies—most important, Fox, a beautiful shape-shifting vixen whom Jacob cares for more than he lets on.

But life in this other world is about to change. Tragedy strikes when Jacob's younger brother, Will, follows him through the portal. Brutally attacked, Will is infected with a curse that is quickly transforming him into a Goyl—a ruthless killing machine, with skin made of stone.

Jacob is prepared to fight to save his brother, but in a land built on trickery and lies, Jacob will need all the wit, courage, and reckless spirit he can summon to reverse the dark spell—before it's too late.

I picked this book up at my high school's book fair because I was instantly drawn to the cover. It's pretty amazing, especially in person because one of the guy's eye is really shiny and stuff. When I read the back of it, I thought it sounded super interesting.

Upon reading the book, I've found that it's probably geared more toward middle-grade readers because of the very simple writing. The story itself wasn't anything spectacular; it was more about solving a problem which was only there to show the Mirrorworld to the reader. I was hoping to read about how Jacob's father went missing -- in the Mirrorworld -- and what happened to him. Funke touches on that lightly, but only for a few pages.

The characters were alright. None of them were very deep or interesting. I never became attached to any single one. The plot seemed to have a climax, but it wasn't very much of an impact.

I gave it three Sporks, because the world was interesting but it wasn't a book that amazed me. There wasn't much to the story, at least for me. I wouldn't advise people against it, but only recommend for light reading.

I gave this THREE out of FIVE Sporks!

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Before I Wake

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

  

Before I Wake

by Rachel Vincent

Release Date: June 22nd 2012

Publisher:  HarlequinTeen

From Goodreads;

Not available.

Comments;

Alright. No description. I know, I know!! But, this series is simply amazing! The last book, If I Die, was fantastic and the best of the series. I'm really interested in seeing how Vincent will top this one. So, keep an eye for this one! Also...I really like that dress. :D

What do you think?

Review: The Iron Queen

 

Title:The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey, #3)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Release Date:  January 25th 2011

Format: Paperback (Given)

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

 


This book doesn't deserve five stars. It deserves five bajillion stars.

The Iron Queen is the third installment into the Iron Fey series and is by far the most riveting book of it so far. It pulled at my heart-strings the whole time and I still enjoyed it!

I started out as a Team Puck fan, and so far I still am. However, I've started to feel pretty bad for Ash. Now, being on Team Puck here, this book is not going to make us Goodfellow fans any happier. In fact, it just takes our wishes and squishes them, and twists them, and stabs them. BUT (There is always a but.), in the end, I don't think anyone can help but feel sad for Ash. AND THEN PUCK. In the end, Puck shows his true emotions as much as anyone will probably ever see again. It made me want to cry.

On a more technical note, the plot was gripping, the characters were just amazing as ever(!!!), and the scenery never failed to amaze...I think that' s just Kagawa's infallible talent for writing. I can't wait for the fourth, and last, book either. I can't believe it will be the last! This is definitely a series I want to continue forever, because I just absolutely love the characters and the world and /everything/. (I mean, how many people walk around with hand drawn pics of Puck on their binders, or walk around pointing at a raven in a tree saying that it's Puck come to take me to Faery!? I know I do) If this series becomes as famous as the Lord of the Rings series, I swear I'd be the master of the Puck-dom. THAT is how much I love this series, and I swear you will too. Even if you go Team Ash.

So, if you need something new to read, or if you have so many books to read that you're simply drowning in them...read this NOW. Read the series, and you won't regret it.

I gave it FIVE out of FIVE stars

Review: The Iron Daughter

 

Title:The Iron Daughter

Author:Julie Kagawa

Publisher:HarlequinTEEN

Release Date: August 1st 2010

Format: Paperback (Bought)

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

This book...

Oh my gosh...

Its...so...AMAZING.

Usually sequels are not nearly as great as the first book, but this is one exception to that rule. The Iron Daughter was two times better than The Iron King! I love (and hate! Yes, hate!) this book so much that I don't know where to start.

Okay, lets go with what I love. One word: Puck. Puck is back! The amazingly hot jokester is back and I squealed with joy when he appeared. He re-enters the story just in time to save Ash and Meghan's hides and he does it with style. He was also what made me start laughing while I read the book. (My classmates can attest to that. I'd burst out laughing in the middle of class...)

Second thing I love: PLOT. If you've read my reviews in the past, good plots are the number one thing I look for in the story. Puck and his amazingness alone will not even persuade me to like a book if it has a bad plot. That being said, The Iron Daughter's plot is well executed and keeps you on the edge of your seat during the whole ride...er, read. So many twists!

I also love how Julie Kagawa keeps expanding the world in the book and makes it come to life before your very eyes. This is one book you don't want to read before you go to bed, because you'll stay up thinking about it!

Now...what do I hate? The ending. This is no fault of the author's. It's only the fault of my heart..because I hate Meghan now.

[MAJOR SPOILER!]

She freaking left Puck behind! When Ash was banished from the Nevernever, and she tried to go after her, Oberon warned her that she too would be banished forever isf she walked through that trod after Ash. Puck finally broke down and pleaded with her to stay. To stay with /him/! What did she do!? She walked out of Nevernever without so much of a look back at Puck. Cold hearted little peri! I was so upset at that book that I just let loose and ranted on my nearest friend. Puck is destined to be alone forever!

[END SPOILER.]

So yeah. THAT'S why I have a love-hate relationship with this book. If you haven't read it yet...DO IT. Its amazing.

I gave it FIVE out of FIVE sporks

Review: City of Bones

 

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry

Release Date:  February 19th 2008

Format: Paperback (Given by Amelia @ The Authoress)

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

I remember picking this book up in hardback format when it first came out. I remember wanting to read it SO badly, and I remember taking it to my mom to buy it. She told me no, because of the cover. Yes, she judged the book by its cover. Blasphemy! But that's what mom's do. They don't like their daughters seeing sexy guys, even if the guy is barely on the cover of a book. So, I have waited many years to get my hands on a copy of this book, and I was finally able to when Amelia sent me a copy via R.A.K. To say I was excited is a bit of an understatement.

So, given that background, I started reading this book with anticipation that it was going to be great. Plus, I read many reviews on it giving it high praises. (Even my friends loved the series.) Usually, when that happens, I'm always let down. However, I was not let down in the slightest when it came to this book.

The plot of the story is fantastic! It starts out with what seems like an average teenaged girl's life which morphs into something more. That something more becomes a brand new world created exclusively by Cassandra Clare. The world borrows parts of general myth about fey and mystical realms and glamour but its all combined to form something completely original. If the characters weren't so awesome, I'd be even more in love with the world than I am. Whiiiccch, brings me to characters...Is there an adjective I haven't used yet that could accurately describe them? I don't think so. These characters are wonderful creations and they're planned out beautifully. All the characters seem to be well-rounded and diverse. Jace is the hot, witty, dangerous guy. Simon is the nerdy, cute, and funny dude. Alec is the "sparkly", snarky, sidekick. Isabelle is the beautiful, goddess-like, b**chy girl. Then, last but not least, Clary is the artsy, awkward yet bold, teenager. All of these guys put together pack one fantastic array of characters. Jace and Simon are going to make you laugh, no doubt. Clary is easy to sympathize with and she isn't annoyingly weak. Alec.....I can't describe him without giving away a juicy bit of the book! Isabelle...well, she's meant to be hated.  As diverse as these characters are, they still work together in a unique way. 

Anyway, I should cut short my fan-girling. So, basically, if you like a fantasy style, kick-butt adventure story with awesome guys and a fantasmagorical plot....then this is the story for you. If you've been deprived of reading it for the last few years like I have, find a way to get your hands on one! You won't regret it. 

I gave it FIVE out of FIVE Sporks

P.S. Fantasmagorical is a word I created years ago that I keep in my arsenal of words for special things. This is one of them.

Review: Red Riding Hood

 

Title: Red Riding Hood
Production Co.: Warner Bros. Pictures, Appian Way, & Random Films

Release Date:  March 11th, 2011

Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, and Shiloh Fernandez

From Netflix:

In this horror-fantasy re-imagining of the classic tale, young Valerie juggles a difficult romantic decision with feelings of fear and grief as her town is terrorized by a legendary werewolf, which has killed her sister and hungers to feast again.

Red Riding Hood is one of those rare films where the book was made after the movie. I never heard of it before, but its an interesting idea. However, everything I head about it was bad. I heard the movie was alright and the book was downright horrible. Given that, and the fact that I trust many of those reviewers, I wasn't too keen on watching the movie. I only saw it because my family wanted to and.....I'm glad I watched it.

Valerie

Red Riding Hood is more than a retelling, but a re-imagining. It's a fresh look on the whole  story, and I absolutely loved it. The wolf in this story is werewolf instead, that preys on the small village every full moon. Life is relatively peaceful through the years when the wolf accepts the gift of prized livestock every full moon...until the werewolf kills Valerie's younger sister.


The plot thickens there, and you slowly realize that the plot's roots are deep and widely spread throughout the story. Even the romance is tied in, which is really nice. I love to see romances that matter; not the kind that are just added as side-sillies to entertain the reader or viewer.

Peter

Through out the film, I was rooting for Peter -- the story's MEGA hottie! -- to the point where I once yelled at the screen. Not even kidding. (My family thought I was bonkers) But I believe that when I can get that involved in a two hour story, that it was pretty well crafted. 

Peter & Valerie

I loved everything about this film; from the awesome digital graphics, casting, the acting, to the romance and action sequences.
An all around awesome film, and I'd recommend it for anyone over 10 (since the violence might give the wee little ones some nightmares and the romance scenes might cause awkward moments. ;] )


Also, just a side note...Peter (played by Shiloh Fernandez) is now on The Spork Master's list of hotties. He'll soon be on yours too...only if you watch the film though. ;D

I gave it FIVE out of FIVE sporks.

Hey, costume enthusiasts! If you love accurate costumes, then you'll love this movie too. The costumes are all authentic to the time period, and they are superbly done. Costumes to watch for in the film; Peter's (it's dark, but the close ups of his legs show the amazing laces of his pants and boots, and his tunic is nicely done), Valerie's (stitching, materials and garments all match the era), and any of the armor.